Which one should you use?
Los extraño is used when addressing a group, whereas Te extraño is used when you are speaking to only one person. While Los extraño is a standard way to express this feeling, Los echo de menos is a common alternative that carries the same meaning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the verb extrañar is the standard way to express missing someone. In some regions of Latin America, you might also hear the variation los extraño un mundo to mean "I miss you all a lot." In Spain, the phrase echar de menos is more common than using the verb extrañar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes based on the gender of the group and the tense of the sentence. If the group of people you are addressing is entirely female, you should use Las extraño instead of Los extraño. To say "I missed you" when referring to a completed period of time in the past, change the ending to Los extrañé.
How do you pronounce it?
/los eɡstɾaɲo/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, using extrañar can also mean 'to find something odd' or 'to be surprised'.
- The word extraño is a close relative of the English word 'strange'. Both words trace their roots back to the Latin 'extraneus', which carries the sense of being 'outside' or 'external'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying Los extraño is often accompanied by a hug or a physical gesture of affection upon reuniting.
Examples in context
- Los extraño mucho, mis amigos.I miss you guys a lot, my friends.
- Los extraño desde que se fueron.I miss you all since you left.
- No puedo esperar para verlos, los extraño.I can't wait to see you all, I miss you.
Example conversation
María is calling her brothers on the phone.
- MaríaHola, ¿cómo están? Los extraño mucho.Hello, how are you? I miss you guys a lot.
- DanielHola María, nosotros también te extrañamos.Hi María, we miss you too.
- María¿Vendrán a visitarnos pronto?Will you all come to visit us soon?
- DanielSí, iremos el próximo mes.Yes, we will go next month.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries extraño, los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
